Library project’s price tag approaches $37 million Westborough | 5
Proposed Rt. 20 improvements include two rotaries Shrewsbury | 7
Town discusses growing crops under solar panels Grafton | 11
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Vol. 48 | No. 38 | September 23, 2022
Community gathers for Northborough’s Applefest
Shrewsbury woman dies following school bus collision By Caroline Gordon and Laura Hayes
By Caroline Gordon Reporter
SHREWSBURY – A Shrewsbury woman has died following a collision involving a school bus on Sept. 15. The Office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr. has identified the victim as April Handley, 49. The Shrewsbury Police Department responded to a crash on South Quinsigamond Avenue that involved a school bus and passenger vehicle at about 10:55 a.m. According to a press release from the Shrewsbury Police Department, first responders determined there were no students on the bus at the time of the crash. However, the bus driver and an aide complained of injuries. Police noted that the sole person in the vehicle — reportedly Handley — had sustained “more serious” injuries.
NORTHBOROUGH - Residents enjoyed the first feel of fall at the 32nd annual Applefest last weekend. This year, the parade and the Taste of Northborough were back in action. On Sunday afternoon, residents gathered on the sidewalk from Lincoln Street to West Main Street to watch the Applefest parade. For some of the attendees, this was their first Applefest parade while others have attended it for years. Cathleen Rivard attended the AppleFest parade for the first time with her daughters, Maggie and Morgan, who she said were “loving it.” The girls sat on a knitted blanket and collected candy that was tossed to them by those marching in the parade.
Crash | 18
Applefest | 14
Spencer Serapiglin fires a hose with the help of her grandfather, Michael, during the Northborough Fire Department’s open house.
Southborough schools honor Kim Tolander
Shrewsbury defeats rival St. John’s
By Laura Hayes, Managing Editor SOUTHBOROUGH - There was an empty chair at the Southborough School Committee meeting Sept. 14, as the committee met for the first time since the death of their fellow member Kim Tolander in August. “Her passing was a gigantic blow to her family, friends, the community and the schools,” said Chair Roger Challen. According to her obituary, Tolander passed away unex-
sports | 24
Tolander | 15
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